Below is a summary of a recent presentation given by Richard Serby of GeoSearch, Inc. at the 2015 GIS in the Rockies Conference. This presentation was focused somewhat on the state of Colorado, however, there are national numbers included as well.

The Good News

Auto sales are up 8.1% (17.5 million) in between 8/14 – 8/15

Housing 2.7% increase in between 8/14 – 8/15 (Masslive.com)

Unemployment 5.1% - August 2015 (6.2% - 8/14)

Unemployment in Perspective

National Unemployment: 5.1%

Colorado Unemployment: 4.2%

Denver: 3.8%

Grand Junction: 5.8%

If you do not have a high school diploma: 11.0%

High School Diploma: 7.5%

If you hold an Associate’s Degree: 5.4%

If you hold a Bachelor’s Degree: 4.0%

If you hold a Master’s Degree: 3.4%

If you hold a Doctorate or Professional Degree: 2.3%

Employer Survey

58 Employers (U.S.) responded to the survey

58.6% Commercial small to mid-size companies

29.2% City – County - State public agencies

1.7 % - Non-Profit

10.2% - College - Universities

Number of Geospatial Employees

89.6 % Fewer than 100 geospatial employees

10.4 % more than 100 geospatial employees

Hiring Plans

27.5 % are hiring in 2015

18.9 % Will be hiring in 2016

29.3 % Unsure of hiring in 2016

20.6 % Will not be hiring in 2015 – 2016 - -

On the surface this looks like a high number, however, many organizations are cross training current employees to avoid layoffs & utilize their staff more effectively in a seasonal business.